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MAN Diesel & Turbo and DNV claim that they are taking the Quantum container ship concept one step further with the introduction of a new solution for LNG-fuelled vessels.

A year ago, DNV launched its container ship concept - Quantum. The concept ship was designed to stir up debate about shipping innovation. MAN Diesel & Turbo responded positively, and over the past few months the engine manufacturer and the class society have worked closely together to move the concept one step nearer to becoming an actual ship.

Now DNV is introducing the new Quantum 9000. This has been designed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly than existing ships without introducing major complications when the ship is to be built or operated.

One of its major improvements is said to be related to the engine. MAN Diesel & Turbo has developed a gas-fuelled two-stroke ME-GI engine. In addition to having dual-fuel engines, Quantum 9000 achieves full fuel flexibility and at the same time meets the upcoming ECA requirements. The ship’s energy efficiency is also said to be better than that of conventional existing container ships.

Speaking at a press briefing in London yesterday, Lars Ryberg Juliussen, Senior Manager, MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: “By making simple modifications, we have achieved high fuel efficiency, high fuel flexibility and high reliability. The Quantum 9000 introduces LNG to the preferred container ship propulsion system and thus makes LNG more available to container ship owners.”

In addition to the use of gas, the engine solution includes waste heat recovery to improve the energy efficiency and exhaust gas circulation to reduce the emissions.

A number of other improvements have been made possible by adopting a twin island arrangement, such as increased cargo capacity and reduced need for ballast water. Also the improved sightline from the bridge, which contributes to increasing the safety in operation, and the minimum fuel consumption, have been highlighted.

The ship’s LNG fuel capacity will be similar to that needed to sail from East Asia to the east coast of the US – still without any loss of cargo space.

Eirik Byklum, DNV’s Project Manager, introduced the first version of the Quantum concept vessel a year ago and has been in charge of its second phase too. "When we introduced this concept a year ago, we called it a concept ship. And it still is, but by improving the machinery as well as the hull design and arrangement, we have moved it one step closer to becoming a real ship."